A tribute to Chris Armstrong

Chris Armstrong, a longtime illustrator for Bassmaster Magazine, died April 23, 2014. His illustrations were known throughout the bass fishing and hunting world. What follows is a selection of his artwork.

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<p>Chris Armstrong, left, and Dave Precht go way back. Precht was the first editor at B.A.S.S. to hire Armstrong for his illustrations. He recognized Armstrong's incredible talent, and soon, the rest of the fishing and hunting world did, too. Read more about Armstrong <a href=
Chris Armstrong, left, and Dave Precht go way back. Precht was the first editor at B.A.S.S. to hire Armstrong for his illustrations. He recognized Armstrong’s incredible talent, and soon, the rest of the fishing and hunting world did, too. Read more about Armstrong here.
Armstrong specialized in capturing the movement of striking bass and rippling water.
Armstrong specialized in capturing the movement of striking bass and rippling water.
His cutaways gave anglers a perspective underneath the water that made patterns, structure, cover and bass behavior more comprehensible.
His cutaways gave anglers a perspective underneath the water that made patterns, structure, cover and bass behavior more comprehensible.
Armstrong's artwork gave readers a view that no photographer could capture — an above and below perspective.
Armstrong’s artwork gave readers a view that no photographer could capture — an above and below perspective.
The attention to detail in Armstrong's work was captivating.
The attention to detail in Armstrong’s work was captivating.
Armstrong worked with Bassmaster editors and designers to create hybrid art — half illustration, half photograph. See the next slide with the photo added in to his original artwork.
Armstrong worked with Bassmaster editors and designers to create hybrid art — half illustration, half photograph. See the next slide with the photo added in to his original artwork.
Armstrong also had the talent for humor in his art, from Frankenfish illustrations like this one to caricatures of weekend anglers, like in the next few slides.
Armstrong also had the talent for humor in his art, from Frankenfish illustrations like this one to caricatures of weekend anglers, like in the next few slides.
Armstrong's illustrations were not just for printed magazines, either. At a gallery in 2008 where his artwork was featured, he displays a bottle that contained his illustrations and several framed prints behind him that were collectors' items among his fans. Chris, thank you for your work and your friendship through all the years. We'll miss you.
Armstrong’s illustrations were not just for printed magazines, either. At a gallery in 2008 where his artwork was featured, he displays a bottle that contained his illustrations and several framed prints behind him that were collectors’ items among his fans. Chris, thank you for your work and your friendship through all the years. We’ll miss you.